Many businesses, particularly SMBs, lack the in-house IT expertise to fully understand and implement Microsoft 365’s features and best practices. They may struggle to configure settings, manage users and permissions effectively, and ensure optimal utilization of the platform, especially in the absence of comprehensive guidance for non-Intune environments.
Here are ways how an MSP can maximize a business’s potential:
1. Navigating the Complexity of Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is a suite with numerous constantly evolving applications and services. Businesses may find it challenging to keep up with these changes and understand how to best leverage the various tools for their specific needs.
Many businesses find it difficult to understand and effectively manage the compliance and governance part, such as retention policies and preservation hold libraries within SharePoint.
MSPs can provide the necessary expertise to navigate this complexity.
2. Cost Optimization and Feature Utilization
While businesses invest in Microsoft 365, they may not be using all the features they are paying for or may not be on the most cost-effective licensing plan for their requirements.
MSPs can analyze their clients’ usage and needs to ensure they are maximizing the value of their subscription and potentially identifying opportunities for cost savings or better feature adoption.
3. Security Concerns and Implementation
Ensuring the security of their Microsoft 365 environment is a significant concern for businesses. This includes implementing measures like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), managing access controls, and protecting against data loss. MSPs have the knowledge and tools to implement and manage these security measures effectively, even when clients may be resistant or lack understanding.
4. For SMBs that may not be using more advanced features like Intune
- Endpoint Management in Diverse Environments: For businesses that do not utilize Intune, managing and securing endpoints can be a challenge. MSPs can employ alternative solutions like RMM tools to manage these devices, enforce policies, and maintain security, bridging the gap created by the absence of a dedicated MDM solution.
- Implementing Security Measures Without Intune: While device-based policies are limited, MSPs can focus on leveraging Azure AD for control over authentication and authorization. Furthermore, they can guide clients through implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), even if clients initially resist.
- Utilizing RMM Tools for Endpoint Management. For clients not using Intune and without a traditional Active Directory setup, MSPs can use RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) tools like Ninja to manage endpoints5 . These tools can deploy and enforce registry keys, offering a way to configure settings similar to Group Policy Objects (GPOs) and Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), albeit with a more complex initial setup.
- Educating Clients on the Value of Microsoft 365. Many SMB clients migrating from basic setups may not understand or utilize the full potential of their Microsoft 365 subscriptions. MSPs play a crucial role in educating clients about the available productivity tools and demonstrating their value, even if the clients are initially resistant. This can help clients move beyond just using it for email and basic Office applications.
- Setting Realistic Expectations Regarding Security. For clients unwilling to invest in more comprehensive security solutions like Intune, MSPs should clearly communicate the limitations and potential risks. They should set expectations about the level of security they can provide within the client’s chosen budget and licensing, and outline potential consequences of not investing in more robust security measures.
- Identifying the Client’s End Goals. Understanding what the client aims to achieve with Microsoft 365 is crucial . MSPs should engage with clients to assess their requirements and then recommend the most suitable solutions within their existing Microsoft 365 subscriptions, even if Intune is not an option.
5. Enhance the Efficiency of Collaboration Tools
Many SMBs may not be using SharePoint securely and efficiently. MSPs can help organize file storage and permissions correctly, potentially migrating away from inefficient per-user setups to group-based permissions. They can also educate clients on the appropriate use of SharePoint, including its limitations regarding large file sizes and bandwidth, preventing issues like those experienced by the client storing everything on SharePoint
MSPs can also enhance security by educating businesses on appropriate permission settings, data structuring, optimizing permissions, and training users on the correct use of these collaboration tools.
6. Educating Clients on the Value of Microsoft 365
Many SMB clients migrating from basic setups may not understand or utilize the full potential of their Microsoft 365 subscriptions. MSPs play a crucial role in educating clients about the available productivity tools and demonstrating their value, even if the clients are initially resistant. This can help clients move beyond just using it for email and basic Office applications.
7. Setting Realistic Expectations
For clients unwilling to invest in more comprehensive security solutions like Intune, MSPs can clearly communicate the limitations and potential risks. They can set expectations about the level of security they can provide within the client’s chosen budget and licensing, and outline potential consequences of not investing in more robust security measures.
8. Change Advocacy and Management
Some businesses may have invested in Microsoft solutions but have members or officers who are still resistant to new changes or security measures, even when they are necessary. MSPs can act as educators and advocates, explaining the benefits of utilizing Microsoft 365 features and the risks of neglecting security.
In essence, MSPs maximize Microsoft 365 for their clients by providing expertise and proactive management that helps them utilize the available features effectively, implement essential security measures within their constraints, and understand the value of their investment, even when they are not leveraging the full suite of enterprise-level tools like Intune. They act as guides to navigate the complexities of Microsoft 365 and tailor it to the specific needs and limitations of each client
